TRAINBIODIVERSE

Training for functional soil microorganism biodiversity

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The TRAINBIODIVERSE ITN will provide professional skills and training for young scientists covering multi-disciplinary aspects of soil biodiversity, ecosystem services, their economic significance and practical implications and implementation. The researchers will gain access to European educational and network facilities and training aimed at ensuring the wellbeing of human populations and the continued availability of sustainable recourses underpinned by soil microbiology. Practical and theoretical training related to monitoring, evaluating and improving the quality of biodiversity in European soils, in combination with training professionals to ensure enhanced intersectorial skills and communications will help to secure the future of European ecosystem services and agricultural production. TRAINBIODIVERSE will fill the gap between specialists in different institutions and administrative bodies providing information and policy on biodiversity and ecosystem services in Europe. The consortium encompasses different academic, non-academic industrial economic and political professions in different sectors. An understanding of the interrelationships and communications between the different sectors involved will be made available to European researchers for the first time. This will coincide with increases in related governmental policy and actions. The training will cover the process for applying scientific rational to political implementation. Initial training will commence with field and laboratory work then proceeding through interpretation of results to economic evaluation for managerial administrative and decision making processes and application of the information.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A multinational network of European research institutions and private-sector representatives are working together to train young scientists in the importance of soil biodiversity.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Healthy function of soil and its biodiversity is crucial for all aspects of ecology, from agriculture to climate regulation. For example, soil organisms such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa provide vital services such as nutrient recycling water distribution and resilience to pollution.

Despite its importance for both the global environment and societal welfare, the makeup of soil and its communities is relatively unknown and virtually unregulated. The EU-funded 'Training for functional soil microorganism biodiversity' (http://www.trainbiodiverse.com/ (TRAINBIODIVERSE)) project will bridge this knowledge gap by training young scientists in multidisciplinary aspects and relevance of soil biodiversity.

Through a multinational network, TRAINBIODIVERSE provides practical and theoretical guidance to monitor, evaluate and improve the quality of biodiversity in European soils. The consortium encompasses academic, industrial, economic, social and political representatives with combined expertise in all areas of soil ecology and legislation.

Since a gram of soil contains thousands of microbial species, TRAINBIODIVERSE will train young researchers to identify key and previously un-culturable species to monitor and maintain soil function or quality. These so-called bioindicators are used to gauge the impact of human or natural perturbance such as agriculture, mining or desiccation.

TRAINBIODIVERSE is also examines interactions between soil fungi, bacteria, viruses and protozoans. To characterise these complex soil relationships, researchers are using a multidimensional approach including DNA analyses and whole field surveys.

By highlighting the relationship between soil biodiversity and function, and by identifying the socioeconomic consequences of changes therein, researchers hope to raise awareness. The purpose is to stimulate policy suggestions for optimal, cost-effective land-management strategies, and science-driven conservation efforts.